LAGOS, May 22, 2025 — A prominent supporter of Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has issued a public ultimatum, threatening to withdraw support if Obi joins a coalition with Atiku Abubakar as Vice President or any alliance that does not position him as the presidential flagbearer in 2027. In an open letter published on social media platform X, Ayo FBI, a self-described longtime admirer of Obi, detailed his contributions to Obi’s 2023 campaign and expressed dismay at the prospect of Obi settling for a lesser role.
Ayo FBI, who claims to have followed Obi’s career since his tenure as Anambra State Governor under APGA, outlined extensive efforts to bolster Obi’s 2023 candidacy. These include funding transportation for young supporters to attend campaign events, printing campaign materials, providing food and drinks at rallies, protecting a Labour Party agent from APC thugs, and rejecting lucrative offers from rival parties to maintain his platform’s focus on Obi’s vision. “I did all this without collecting a dime,” Ayo wrote, emphasizing his sacrifices, including risking his safety as a Yoruba man openly supporting Obi in an APC-dominated area.
The letter praised Obi’s post-election engagement, noting his visits to communities, IDP camps, and empowerment initiatives across Nigeria, from Bauchi to Abuja. “None of those you contested against, including the occupant of Aso Villa, have done a tenth of what you have in citizen engagement,” Ayo stated. He contrasted this with Atiku Abubakar, the PDP candidate in 2023, who he claimed has been “chilling in the UAE” since the elections.
Ayo’s primary grievance centers on rumors of a potential coalition between Obi and Atiku for 2027. He argued that Obi, at 66 by 2027, is better suited to lead Nigeria than Atiku, who will be 81, citing Obi’s competence, character, and alignment with Nigeria’s current realities. Quoting Obi’s own words—“If you want to be called Excellency, the process through which you get to the office must be excellent”—Ayo warned that accepting a vice-presidential role would undermine the fight against Nigeria’s “structure of criminality.”
The letter also highlighted the growing influence of young voters, many of whom will be eligible to vote for the first time in 2027. Ayo argued that Obi’s issue-based campaigns and continued public engagement make him the ideal candidate to capitalize on this demographic shift, especially as public disillusionment with the APC grows amid worsening hunger and poverty.
“If you accept to be Vice to Atiku or form any coalition that doesn’t produce you as President, you’ve lost me and millions of others whose voices I echo,” Ayo declared, concluding with a call for Obi to remain the presidential flagbearer in 2027.
As of press time, neither Peter Obi nor his representatives had responded to the letter. Political analysts suggest this public stance reflects broader sentiments among Obi’s base, who view him as the frontrunner for a “new Nigeria.” With the 2027 elections approaching, Obi’s next moves will likely shape the loyalty of his supporters and the trajectory of Nigeria’s opposition landscape.
